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Virginia Blue Devils

Every team has their own pregame rituals, and the Virginia Blue Devils are no different. Virginia head coach Reed Larson says superstitions are simply part of being a skater.

"Hockey players are kind of weird when it comes to their pregame procedures," Larson said. "A lot of them are different. But usually when a guy has a procedure he goes through he sticks to it throughout his whole career as a hockey player."

Even coaches have their own routines.

"I have to sample a couple of hot dogs at every rink that I go to and I have to have a cup of coffee while I'm watching the JV game," Larson said.

Once the sticks are taped and the laces tied, it's time to concentrate on the game. On this night, the Blue Devils were preparing to face Duluth Denfeld. Senior forward Zach Voss says that's when the team comes together.

"We're quiet to start, but once it gets closer to game time, we start getting ready for the game, getting loud and stuff," Voss said. "Focusing is a big part for our team. We have a little trouble with that sometimes, but we get used to it."

Virginia lost a close game to the Hunters, but picked up their much deserved first win two weeks ago. Senior defenseman Mitch Sella says the Blue Devils are doing a lot of things right.

"Our D zone, our goalies are playing really well too," Sella said. "Neutral zone, we're stopping guys, other teams from entering our zones and we're keeping a lot of other teams shots out around the perimeter so that's helping."

And they hope that more scoring, and more wins, will come their way soon.